Do you need time?
Finding Meaning in Every Moment
Time—the one thing we spend without choice, the one resource we never get back. Just yesterday, a colleague and I found ourselves marveling at how quickly the years pass. Nearly fifteen years have slipped by since I first started my job, stepping into the role with bright eyes and big dreams. But with each passing year, I’ve felt time pressing on, not with a gentle nudge, but with an urgency that’s almost deafening. We don’t just run out of time; we run out of chances. The things I want to do, the people I want to meet, the places I want to see—all these dreams sometimes feel like sand slipping through my fingers. Yet, I wonder: could the answer lie not in having more time but in the way I choose to live each moment?
In moments of quiet, I often find myself wishing for more time. I want to meet people from all walks of life, learn from their stories, expand my understanding, and embrace new perspectives. I want to read the books that spark wonder, watch the shows that inspire joy, and travel to corners of the world I’ve only glimpsed in passing dreams. But no matter how much I try, life keeps moving, reminding me that it’s impossible to experience everything.
It reminds me of a powerful verse: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Perhaps wisdom isn’t about doing it all but rather about discerning what matters most, embracing each moment with intention. Instead of filling every hour with busyness, we can find purpose in what we choose to hold onto and let go of.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on my journey, I remember moments when I struggled to feel present in the rush. Early on in my job, I faced a tough decision to cut 20% of our office budget. I wanted to preserve every project, each one of them felt vital. But with limited resources, I had to prioritize, asking myself what really mattered. This experience taught me that, just as we can’t do everything with our resources, we can’t experience everything with our time either. We must choose wisely, making room for what truly brings fulfillment.
Henry David Thoreau once asked, “It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is: what are we busy about?” This struck a chord with me. Life, so often, pulls us into endless cycles of productivity, filling our days with tasks. But when we slow down and focus on what genuinely fulfills us, we’re no longer just “busy” but “meaningfully engaged.” Are we truly nurturing our dreams and values, or simply ticking off to-do lists?
Another meaningful lesson came from a friend I initially misjudged. My first impression of her was that she was distant, maybe even unapproachable. Yet, as I got to know her, I discovered a warmth and kindness that transformed my understanding of her. Rushing through life sometimes leads us to make snap judgments, limiting our ability to connect deeply. But when we slow down, see people beyond those first impressions, and allow time for understanding, we uncover relationships that can profoundly enrich our lives.
Soul Insights
1. Prioritize What Matters Most
We all have endless lists of dreams and desires, but only so much time to fulfill them. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Taking a moment to reflect on what truly matters allows us to invest our time in things that bring lasting joy. When we align our time with our values, each moment feels more complete, more worthwhile.
2. Embrace the Present Moment
Time slips into the past with every second, but practicing gratitude anchors us to the here and now. Each moment is an opportunity to experience life’s beauty. Whether I’m sipping jasmine tea in the early morning or sharing a rare, quiet conversation with a friend, I remind myself to be present and grateful. These small, mindful pauses help me savor what’s in front of me instead of longing for what’s yet to come.
3. Slow Down to Connect
Relationships add depth to life, but they require time, patience, and presence. Rather than rushing through our interactions, we can take time to truly listen. Writer Madeleine L’Engle beautifully observed, “The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” Every person we meet becomes part of our journey, a connection that reminds us of our shared human experiences. The time we invest in others brings immeasurable richness to our lives.
4. Accept What We Can’t Control
Life is unpredictable, and despite our best efforts, we can’t control everything. James 4:14 reminds us, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Accepting that time is fleeting helps us let go of the need for control and frees us to focus on what we can influence, releasing what we cannot.
5. Make Space for Rest and Renewal
In our busy world, rest often feels like a luxury, but it’s essential for our well-being. Just as the earth needs time to lie fallow to stay fertile, we need moments of rest to recharge. I’ve come to see rest as a time for clarity, a chance to recalibrate my priorities. By giving myself space to rest, I return to my goals with fresh energy, gaining perspective that helps me live more purposefully.
Final Thoughts
I still feel that sense of urgency—a desire to meet more people, see more places, experience more of what life has to offer. But maybe the answer isn’t in finding more time but in cherishing the time we have with intentionality and grace. We each have a unique journey, racing the clock in our own way, yet while we can’t extend our hours, we can choose to live fully within them.
In the end, life isn’t about doing everything but about doing what truly matters. If we live with purpose, presence, and a heart tuned to the things that matter most, we’ll find a timeless joy that stays with us, even as the years slip by. So yes, I need time. But more than that, I need purpose, presence, and to hold close the people and experiences that make life rich. Because in the end, it’s not about how much time we have but how deeply we live it.
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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